Daily Scope: Iranian FM Assures Hopes on Political Solution

Local Editor

AS-SAFIR-- Iranian FM: Hopes of Political Solution Looming in the Horizon

In an exclusive article to As-Safir newspaper on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote that there are a few steps required to reach the desired political solution. He considered that the "crisis in Syria has entered a new phase owing to the latest developments and after the Vienna 1&2 meetings."

"For the first time, hopes loom in the horizon [even if frail hopes] on ending one of the biggest humanitarian crises in this era," he further wrote. According to As-Safir, he saw that the solution to this [Syrian] crisis, which has been ongoing since five years should be based on major principles, most important of which is the necessity to respect the free will of the Syrian people and their opinion.

"None of the two foreign players has the right to speak on behalf of the Syrian people."

The FM also wrote in his article that the first step to take place should be a cease-fire to directly put an end to the blood shed as well as international coordination to combat terrorism and extremism.

AN-NAHAR: Marada, Mustaqbal Communicating but No Meeting So Far

Well-informed sources told An-Nahar newspaper that opposite to all news media reports, head of the Lebanese party al-Mustaqbal Saad Hariri and head of the Marada party Suleiman Franjieh did not meet in Paris, explaining that this step was discussed during the Riyadh meetings as part of the political initiative launched by Hizbullah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Yet, the sources assured that a meeting for them was never schedule.

Nevertheless, the source stresses this does not deny the fact that there is ongoing communication between the two sides through which they are discussing the different domestic and foreign issues related to Lebanon.

Sources say that the overall political situation is in desperate need for common ground between the political factions to end the presidential vacuum, which pushes for a meeting between the two men even if away from media spotlight.

AN-NAHAR: No Real "ISIL" Threats, Sides Spreading Fear among People

Well-informed security sources told An-Nahar newspaper on Monday that the threats of "ISIL" terrorist group via social media outlets that came in light of the Lebanese Independence day are not serious.

The sources assured that different parades and ceremonies were held across the country, rejecting media reports that people are nervous. The sources further assured that the people are well-aware of the situation, and realize that the security is in the hands of the army and security forces and that the situation is under control.

Also, the sources denied the fact that any security apparatus had earlier assured that there are serious threats, explaining that some sides are intentionally trying to spread a sense of fear among the people especially as the holidays are close.

Source: al-Ahed News